More Than $3 Million Raised for Scholarships at Morehouse During “A Candle in the Dark’ Gala

March (2018) — A great event became even greater as more than $3 million was raised for scholarships at Morehouse College during the “A Candle in the Dark” Gala recently.

The 30th annual event, held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, was sold out with more than 1,500 guests on hand as six men – Ohio State professor William T. McDaniel ’67, Silicon Valley executive Emmett D. Carson ’81, Congressman Cedric Richmond ’95, businessman William M. Lewis Jr., director Oz Scott, investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith – were honored for their stellar careers.

An estimated $1 million was raised during the Gala through ticket sales and sponsorships.

But that wasn’t all.

Shortly after guests dined, The Aaron Foundation announced a $1 million donation for students to attend Morehouse College.

“We are humbled by the legacy of leadership, character and academic leadership and we are glad to be here,” said Robbie Kamerschen of the Aaron Foundation. “We are glad to be here. This is about Morehouse. We’re thrilled. If we can pay for one, two or three Morehouse Men who might not have been able to make it through and put them in this room, it will be an investment that’s worth every single dollar.”

And then during his award acceptance speech, Smith, who was presented the Candle in Business and Philanthropy, the man who was the leading contributor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture also gave $1 million to Morehouse College.

He also told Morehouse Men to continue lifting up the world.

“Morehouse Men, it can be done and you are enough to do it,” Smith said.

All of that took place after Frederick S. Humphries Jr ’83, corporate vice president, U.S. Government Affairs, Legal and Corporate Affairs for the Microsoft Innovation and Policy Center announced that Microsoft was raising its gift to Morehouse to $150,000. A couple of minutes later, Rodney Bullard, vice president of Community Affairs and executive director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation, upped the ante and said Chick-fil-A would give a total of $165,000.

“Of course, I’ll match that,” Humphries said of Microsoft.

Morehouse President David A. Thomas, in his first “A Candle in the Dark” Gala, said the College appreciates the corporate and community support and investment in the education of future leaders at Morehouse College.

“Morehouse is humbled and appreciative of generous corporate partners such as the Aaron’s Foundation, Robert Smith, Microsoft and Chick-fil-A who believe in our mission and Morehouse’s unique space in developing global leaders.”